Camera Sling Bag
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Сamera sling bag has recently become a very trendy kind of photography equipment bags. It seems to be the most favorite case type due to its comfortable and unique design. The professionals, as well as amateurs, have started to choose smaller camera bodies, purchasing mirrorless camera systems. Many shooters favor a sling camera bag as it combines the design of a spacious backpack for portable studio and a messenger with a fast access.
No matter what the reason is, I give you a chance to read about the roundup of the famous and demanded camera sling backpacks on the market. Just have a look at the list below and leave comments if you like/have any model.
Best Camera Sling Bag
| Image | Camera | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lowepro Passport Sling Bag III
OUR CHOICE |
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Case Logic Sling Camera Bag Luminosity
SLING BAG FOR TRAVEL |
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Altura Photo Camera Sling
TOP-RATED SLING BAG |
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Amazon Basics Camera Sling
SLING BAG FOR BEGINNERS |
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Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 10 Sling
FOR PROFESSIONALS |
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Pacsafe Camsafe V18
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Thule TLGS-101 Legend
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Caden Sling Digital SLR Camera Bag
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LowePro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
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Camera Sling Bag: How to Choose?
The evident advantage of a camera sling bag is the accessibility and the small weight. It looks very similar to hip packs or to the shoulder bags, because of its cross strap. With best camera sling bag you can carry all the equipment on the back and take a shot without taking the camera bag off. Here you will find some tips if you decide to get the best camera sling bag. If you want to have a big camera backpack or a safety rolling camera bag for travelling, read my review of all best camera bags on the market.
What Type of Camera Gear Can I Put There?
The camera sling bag is an excellent choice for the mirrorless camera and DSLR kits owners. It’s more comfy to carry a light camera kit on one shoulder then the heavy one. For the heavy camera stuff, it is better to use camera backpacks with different attachments.
3DSLR Sling Bags:
What is the Shooting Location?
When choosing the best camera sling bag you should pay attention to the covering that is used to protect you camera items from the external damages. If you are used to hiking a lot or travel somewhere, the travel sling camera bags are just for you.
Can I Take a Tablet?
Before you decide what kind of a sling bag to buy, it is worth to check if the model has a safe division. Besides your camera stuff, you will probably take digital devices. You need to be certain that you don’t put your tablet in the bag which isn’t intended to protect it.
Can I Take it for Travelling?
The best camera sling bag is flexible to use if you travel a lot. It also may serve as a simple bag to pack all the necessary stuff, when you take your camera body out and leave it in a safe place.
Best Camera Sling Bags
1. Lowepro Passport Sling Bag III
Capacity: CSC (such as Sony NEX 6 or similar) or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), additional lenses or a flash, tablet, a Smartphone and other stuff.
Exterior Dimensions: 17.3 x 5.7 x 16.1 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Lowepro sling bag is designed as a universal and durable case. It has got enough space to hold all the camera gear while traveling. There are also separate compartments for personal things. On the outer side of the bag, you may find three pockets to fit your sunglasses, a bottle of water or the documents.
The shoulder strap on Lowepro sling camera bag is customizable and the pads are easy to remove. The biggest section is protected by two zip fasteners with loops. This camera sling bag can be significantly extended, you can increase the inner compartment up to 30%.
There is a pocket with pads for your digital devices including a tablet inside Lowepro passport sling bag. I admire Lowepro sling camera bag capacity to be enlarged. You can also get the inserts out, which is very handy. This enables you to pull the camera kit out and use the bag for everyday purposes. The straps are adjusted in a non-standard way. Instead of a clasp, there is a stopping clip. Though, if you need to shorten the strap, there will be left a loop to hide it in the fore pocket.
2. Case Logic Sling Camera Bag Luminosity
Capacity: DSLR camera, about 4 lenses, a flash, and other stuff
Exterior Dimensions: 9 x 7.8 x 9 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Case Logic sling camera bag fits almost all DSLR cameras. It was designed with spacious compartments for the camera gear and the extra lenses or you may store a camera body, a lens, a flash, and some additional stuff. The inserts are padded and customizable, that allows you to fit any camera. The fore pockets are meant for some personal accessories or any other items. There is a special pocket for a memory card, so you’ll never lose it.
The major compartments of the sling camera bag are designed to protect any DSLR camera, one or two lenses, and a flash. Some extra accessories can be stored there as well. It is easy to customize the inside divider to meet all your needs. Case Logic sling camera bag provides the fast access to a camera body and its spacious compartment serves as a portative studio.
This best camera sling bag includes the zipped top part to store the small things ( a phone, wallet, ID or sunglasses). Ergonomically designed this best sling camera bag has a back panel and padded shoulder strap. This construction makes the long trip hiking more comfortable. The shoulder strap of a sling style camera bag has a large loop to pull the bag forward. It is the best sling camera bag with a protective covering. If you are not going to use this protective hood, just store it into a back pocket.
3. Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack
Capacity: can fit both DSLR with a lens. You can put extra lenses or a flash.
Exterior Dimensions: 17 x 8.1 x 6.4 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Though it is called Altura Sling Backpack, it is actually a sling bag, because there is only one shoulder strap to wear. For more active shooters, there is a special chest strap to prevent swinging around while walking, running or cycling. There are two possible ways to open Altura camera sling bag. First, you may pull the bag to your front to take the camera out, though still having the bag fasten to your body.
Second, there are adjustable Velcro dividers to store a big DSLR camera and about 3 lenses and still some more personal items. The inside dimensions are 10.2″ high, 8″ wide and 5″ deep. So it is considered to be the largest sling bag in its class. Indeed, this is one of the best camera bags due to an extra strap and a stretchy pocket for a portative tripod or a bottle of water.
Small design elements, such the pads next to a quick-release clip, are meant to protect your hip from rubbing. The upper handle and transparent zipper pockets are made for you to quickly view the camera gear. The bag is elaborately designed, though it isn’t very expensive.
4. Amazon Basics Camera Sling Bag
Capacity: a DSLR camera, a zoom lens, and one or two additional lenses or accessories.
Exterior Dimensions: 15.9 x 8.3 x 6.3 inches
Weight: 1.43 pounds
I assume that Amazon could have its own products on the site, absorbing the smaller companies’ products and creating competitive analogs at a lower price. This has been done to AmazonBasics Camera Sling Bag. With the best camera bags for travel, it takes a moment to undo the waist belt to quickly slide the bag around to your front. The open clip can be unfastened with just one hand.
It resembles Altura Sling Backpack design a little. You can use the top pocket to open the AmazonBasics sling camera bag with its spacious compartment that fits a camera body with all camera kit, including lenses, and flashes. There is a side pocket to store spare batteries and other accessories. The bag’s tripod attachment has got a secured system to hold a compact tripod safe.
Besides, AmazonBasics Camera Sling Bag price is quite affordable, as it costs approximately $30 or even less (click the button below to see the latest price). I think it is a durable product to compete Altura. I am sure there will be more affordable sling bags on sale in 2018, which I will review the next time.
5. Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 10 Sling
Capacity: standard DSLR, larger mirrorless system, 8” tablet, 24-70mm f/2.8 or f/4 attached, additional lenses.
Exterior Dimensions: 5.2 x 8.3 x 15.3 inches
Weight: 14.1 ounces
As you know, Think Tank is famous for their excellent roller bags, but their sling bags are great as well. Actually, this camera sling bag is my favorite because it is an incredibly fashionable and allows you to take all the equipment you want. This sling camera bag features a padded back and a shoulder strap. The last one comes diagonally across your chest. If you want, you can undo the strap at the bottom buckle and take out the pad from the bottom of the bag. Thus, attaching a strap will give you an opportunity to turn this bag into a waist-pack.
The main buckle on the shoulder strap seems to be quite firm regardless of the fact that it is plastic. It is not very easy to unclip it, and this is great. There were some negative camera sling bag reviews that the strap can detach from the buckle, but it has never happened to me. Another advantage about this sling bag, which is not typical for other bags, is that it has a separate zipper pocket for your tablet. An iPad, for example, fits perfectly here, but only in the case when it does not have a bulky cover on it. Your tablet has to be thin. It can be called the best camera sling bag simply because it looks like a modern and stylish bag. That is why you will look chicly with it as well. For the people around, it will seem like an ordinary beautiful backpack. It especially plays a great role when you are traveling somewhere and you are afraid that your bag may be stolen.
6. Pacsafe Camsafe V18
Capacity: Many types of DSLRs with their lenses; zippered camera insert to properly distribute the weight; iPad compatible.
Exterior Dimensions: 5.9 x 21.3 x 11 inches
Weight: 1.93 pounds
Pacsafe Camsafe V18 is considered to be a special camera sling bag, designed by the company, which makes it really hard for thieves and pickpockets to get what they want from your bag loaded with expensive equipment. Maybe Pacsafe Company has made a camera sling bag equipped with a bit excess features, but they are sure that their customers will utilize their product not just for the photo shooting, but for many other purposes as well. The way it’s designed makes it really helpful and multipurpose.
Another great feature of such a sling style camera bag is a baggage handle sleeve. It enables you to attach the bag to the suitcase or another rolling case. It is typical for the messenger bags or backpacks, but it’s a very rare thing for such a type of camera bag. Thus, these characteristics and a protective device make this pack the best camera sling bag, especially for travel photographers.
So, if you are an experienced traveler, or you just want to get a reliable protection for your photo equipment, take a closer look at this camera sling bag, as it is definitely worth your attention. You can select either completely black or olive bag with yellow patches.
7. Thule TLGS-101 Legend
Capacity: 2 cameras, remote control, extra batteries, and SD cards
Exterior Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 13.6 inches
Weight: 1.19 pounds
This camera sling bag of medium size is created especially for the shooters that are constantly on the move but want to feel comfortable. Judging by its name we can guess that is was designed to carry action cameras, however, it can be easily used for other cameras as well. Turning back to the action cams, I should say that it is important to know how this DSLR camera sling bag keeps them safe. So, the central pocket provides you with shock-proof foam pallet with breakouts, which can hold your gear. You can carry two such cameras, the fastening screws for them, and other mounting gear necessary for shooting.
Actually, it is a high-quality case, and it can be even called the best camera sling bag for action cameras. In fact, you can store other cameras in this bag as well. If you need to transport a greater amount of equipment, you can easily make room in a central compartment just removing this foam pallet. It is not very difficult to do it, and as a result, you can turn your Thule Legend Sling Pack into a usual everyday bag that has enough space for your gear.
8. Caden Sling Digital SLR Camera Bag
Capacity: 1 Camera, 2 Lens, Tripod, Rain Cover
Exterior Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.7 x 9.4 inches
Weight: 1.53 pounds
This Caden sling digital SLR camera bag in the form of a triangle is thought to serve as an alternative for travel backpacks. Though it is designed to be worn over your shoulder, you can transport it on the back, at the side and even on your front in case you are already carrying something on your back.
Thus, I think such Caden sling digital SLR camera bag will be an amazing choice, especially if you are searching for the bag that could be carried with your backpack.
9. LowePro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
Capacity: DSLR with attached lens. Personal gear such as a compact tripod, headphones, smartphone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and small accessories
Exterior Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.1 x 18.9 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
LowePro sling camera bag differs from the other product greatly. First of all, it is opened at the back, instead of the front. Of course, you have an opportunity to move the bag to the front and get access to the main pocket, but it is not as easy as in usual backpacks. You will find this case to be really spacious, as it has space for your DSLR together with up to 3 lenses.
At the front of this sling camera bag, there is the compartment with different necessary things, such as charger, memory card or batteries. A peculiar feature of this case logic sling camera bag is a small pocket on the back. There will be a weather-resistant case, which will be very helpful when you get caught in a sudden rain somewhere on the road. In fact, you can find such a feature in other products of LowePro AW series.
Carrying this sling style camera bag, you have nothing to worry about, as LowePro company creates really high-quality and durable products. Not everyone will like the look of this bag, but it is still the best camera sling bag for traveling and hiking with photo equipment.
Summing Up
So, as you can understand, there is a great number of camera bags to transport your photography gear. In addition, I want to say that it is not recommended to load any bag with all your equipment, even if is very sturdy, or capable of storing a lot of stuff, as you just will not feel very comfortable with much weight. Moreover, it can be very harmful for your body in the long run.
All in all, such camera sling backpacks will make your photo shooting trip much more comfortable, as you will have not only your hands free but also an opportunity to get quick access to your equipment. Moreover, the sling bags backpacks are quite affordable, so you can purchase one together with your main backpack. Personally I, have several such bags and choose the most appropriate for the shooting.
